I stopped at the top of the stairs and looked around. All in a mask, I was nervous already. I didn't know them, and they didn't know me. I steaded my heart and walked down. I smiled and nodded at the gentleman and stopped in front of my parents. I curtsy before them and waited for my father to speak.
"Let the ball begin!"
I stood up and smiled at them. I turned around and waited for the first prince. Candidate number 12 approached me. He bowed his head and I curtsied as well. When we straighten ourselves, he stretched out his hand for me to take. I took it and he led me out to dance in the center.
"Princess Lumi, a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise Prince...?"
"Prince Sebastian of Coronet."
"Well, Prince Sebastian of Coronet. Welcome. I hope you enjoy your stay. Is your room to your liking?"
"Not at the very least. I expected a large room all for myself. I didn't expect to share it with 3 other boys."
"You do know why you are here don't you, Prince Sebastian of Coronet?" He was starting to annoy me with his arrogance attitude. Thinking he was all high and mighty.
"I do. It is to see if we would be the next king and help you rule this kingdom."
"You know, there are are 29 more candidates here and not just you. So don't think for a moment, that you are the first that I would choose to be my husband and king. You may go to your room." We stop our dance and he huffs and walks away. I look at the time, and it isn't midnight yet. It's just 9 o'clock? I sigh and walk to the balcony. I look at the full moon and yearn to be free from all of this.
"Ahem."
"Oh! I apologize. I thought I was alone."
"It is alright Princess. I am prince Rome of Lykos. A pleasure to meet you."
"A pleasure to meet you Prince Rome of Lykos. Do you wish to dance?"
"Would I be awful to decline that?"
I looked up at his grey eyes and chuckled at myself. "Of course not. If it would make you feel better, I prefer to relax then dance at the moment."
"Then we both agree to relax for a bit."
I nod at him and turn to look at the garden in front of me. "Is your room your liking Prince Rome?"
"Very much so. I didn't know that we were going to share. But it is fun and interesting in meeting the other candidates."
I nod, pleased to hear that it is to his liking. Not like the arrogant Sebastien. I make a mental note to have Prince number 3 stay.
"If you would excuse me, Prince Rome. I have to get back inside and attend to the rest of the gentlemen. Though I prefer to stay here and getting to know you more."
"There's always next time Princess Lumi." He bows his head and I give him a smile. I walk away and enter the ballroom for my next victim.